The Best Camping Sites Near Pune, India

Pune is known for its ambient weather, delicious cuisine, and open-minded people. However, the hustle and bustle can be tiring, and you may want to escape to someplace quiet and soothing. Thankfully, there is no dearth of beautiful, scenic locations around Pune, whether you want to go for a day trip or camping for the weekend. Plus, you can go camping with the money you would have to spend at a holiday resort for a single day. Whether you are on a budget or want to splurge, here are the best camping sites in and around Pune.

Bhor

If you don’t want to go too far, Bhor is the ideal camping spot, a mere 90 minutes from the heart of Pune. Situated in the Western Ghats, Bhor offers fresh air and rejuvenating sights to soothe your tired eyes and mind. Bhor is a beautiful location that has been the locale for the filming of several movies and soaps. The best activities here are photography, kayaking, skywalking, and other sports.

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Panchgani

A popular destination for those who want to unwind is Panchgani, a couple of hours from the heart of Pune. Misty air and green rolling hills are abundant here, making for a great camping spot. Known for its strawberry cultivation, Panchgani can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the monsoon may not be the best time for camping. Key attractions in Panchgani include Lingmala Waterfall, Table Land and Sydney Point. While camping, enjoy activities like rock climbing, waterfall trekking, zip lining, and photography.

Pawna Lake

Not many come here so you get a camping site that’s quiet, serene and highly enjoyable. This largely unexplored location is situated next to a lake, where you can take a dip. Swim, relax and enjoy various sporting activities during the day, and when the sun goes down, party next to the bonfire at the lakeside.

Bordi Beach

For an offbeat location for camping, Bordi Beach is a little more than two hours drive from Pune. You can interact with friendly local tribal people, party the night away, or stargaze. The waves crashing at the shore and the sapodilla orchards are the icing on the cake. Exploring the hamlet, learning the technique of Warli paintings, strolling along the beach or the local market, touring the orchards, and having a picnic at Aswali Dam are some of the must-do activities here.

Lonavala

Lonavala is a popular and busy destination, drawing thousands of people from Maharashtra and the rest of the country. The dense forests, sparkling lakes and the quiet makes visitors feel like they’re in a different world. Lonavala is also one of the most famous adventure sports destinations around Pune. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, trekking, bonfires, waterfall rappelling, and other activities here.

Bhandardara

To escape somewhere a little far away, Bhandardara is the ideal camping location. When the sun shines, the sparkling blue waters of the Bhandardara reservoir contrast beautifully against the green hillocks. A four-hour drive from Pune, the Bhandardara camp site overlooks the lake and offers activities from photography to angling, bird-watching to BBQ dinners.

Murud

This tiny fishing hamlet near Pune is ideal for a camping weekend. View the Arabian Sea, play volleyball or cycle around the place; you’re unlikely to run out of things to do on a camping trip to Murud.